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Description

Hamelia patens

Also known as:

scarletbush

,

firebush

,

Mexican firecracker

Scientific Synonyms:

Description

Scarletbush is an attractive evergreen bush. The leaves, stems and trunks are tinged with red and purple hues. It will bloom year round, though the peak flower production is during spring and summer months. Hamelia patens blooms in terminal clusters of bright red, tubular flowers resembling firecrakers (hence the common name Mexican firecracker). The foliage will turn to orange in fall where the climate is cooler. That, along with the dark red berries it produces, provides great fall interest.

Cultivation

Hamelia patens is native to Florida, and can be found as far south as Bolivia. It is commonly grown in southern Texas an California. Though frost tender, it is popular as an annual in colder climates where it will easily grow to 5' during one season. This species is easy to cultivate and tolerant of a variety of soil types and light conditions. It may be trimmed to create hedges and privacy screens, or left to grow as a specimen. It may require support when heights over 12' are desired. Blooms year round. Zones 9-11

Propagation

Propagate from seeds that have been stripped of their pulp, from cuttings or by layering.

Additional Notes

Hamelia patens is a member of the Madder family which notably also includes coffee and quinine.